SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.  Carlos Quentin had his most strenuous outing of the spring Saturday when he played six innings in left field in a minor league game.

“That was very encouraging,” said Padres manager Bud Black. “I thought Carlos did fine. Today was a very positive test. He ran without much effort.”

Quentin has played in only one of the Padres 30 major league exhibitions this spring due to discomfort in his twice surgically-repaired right knee. But he has played in four minor league games over the past six days.

Most of Quentin’s running Saturday was on and off the field. He didn’t make a play in left. He was 0-3 with a deep fly to left. But he ran the bases after a ground out and slid.

“It got better as the game went along,” said Quentin. “It felt the best it has. It’s still not where I want it to be, but we’re getting there.”

However, time is running out on the Padres, who have to soon decide whether or not Quentin is ready to start the regular season on April 1 or go on the disabled list.

The Padres have only five more exhibitions in Arizona before breaking camp. They will play two exhibitions against the Texas Rangers at the Alamodome in San Antonio before flying to New York for the season opener against the Mets.

It is unlikely that the Padres would risk Quentin’s knees on the hard surface of the Alamodome, which will be hosting its first baseball games.

That means Quentin probably has to play a major league exhibition by Tuesday or Wednesday for the Padres to make a decision about his availability.

Meanwhile, infielder Logan Forsythe is scheduled to test his right foot Sunday by taking at-bats in a minor league game. Black said he is also close to playing in the field. Forsythe has been sidelined since March 7 with plantar fasciitis in his right foot.

Garcia, defense struggle

Freddy Garcia’s bid to make the Padres might have reached a dead end Saturday night.

The veteran right-hander allowed seven runs (four earned) on five hits and two walks with one strikeout Saturday night against the Colorado Rockies.

Three of the five hits allowed by Garcia were homers by Todd Helton (a three run-shot in the first), Willin Rosario (who went back-to-back with Helton) and Josh Rutledge -- although a stiff wind blowing out to center could have been a factor. The two other hits were doubles.

Garcia has a 9.14 earned run average over 20 2/3 innings this spring. Eight of the 26 hits he has allowed went for homers.

"I tried to do the job the best I can," said Garcia. "If I do not make the team, it is all my fault."

The Rockies hit a total of four homers Saturday night to defeat the Padres 10-4. The Padres hit three homers – a two-run shot by Nick Hundley and solo homers by Kyle Blanks and Cody Ransom.

Padres moves

The Padres made four moves Saturday reducing the number of players in the major league camp to 41.